QLD & NSW

Legal Costs at Boorman Lawyers

In shortBefore we start work on your matter, we explain how our costs will be charged and confirm it in writing. The law requires lawyers to disclose costs to clients, and the rules differ between New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT, so each is explained separately below. Costs depend on the matter, so this page does not quote fees.

  • Before work starts: we discuss the scope, how costs will be charged, an estimate and likely disbursements, and confirm it in writing.
  • Separate rules: NSW (Legal Profession Uniform Law), Queensland (Legal Profession Act 2007) and the ACT (Legal Profession Act 2006) each set their own disclosure rules.
  • Your rights: you can ask about any bill, request an itemised bill and have costs assessed or disputed.

Queensland and New South Wales law · law checked 22 Oct 2026

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What's on this page

Why we talk about costs first

Most people contact a lawyer at a stressful time: after a charge, before a court date or when a licence is at stake. Not knowing what the legal work will cost adds to that stress. That is why we talk about costs at the start, before any work begins, and confirm what we discussed in writing.

The law in each state and territory also requires lawyers to tell clients about costs. The rules for New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT are similar in purpose but different in detail, so each one is set out separately below. Which rules apply usually depends on where the work is done and where your matter is.

This page explains how costs are discussed and confirmed. It does not quote fees, because the cost of a matter depends on what it involves.

How costs are discussed with you

When you first call us on 1300 941 900, we ask about the charge, the court, the next court date and what you want to achieve. If you then ask us to act, we:

  1. Define the scope: what work is included, for example advice, preparing plea material, a court appearance, or a defended hearing.
  2. Explain the basis of costs: how our professional fees will be calculated for your matter.
  3. Give an estimate: our estimate of the total legal costs, or, if a reasonable estimate is not possible, the range of likely costs and the main things that could change them.
  4. List likely disbursements: out-of-pocket costs that are paid to others, shown separately.
  5. Explain billing: when you will receive a bill and when payment is due.
  6. Explain your rights: including your right to negotiate the costs agreement, to receive a bill, to ask for an itemised bill and to dispute costs.

All of this is confirmed in writing before the work starts. If the matter changes significantly, for example a plea of guilty becomes a defended hearing, we tell you, update the estimate in writing and get your instructions before the extra work is done.

We cannot promise what a matter will cost in the end, because matters can change. What we can do is explain each change as soon as it becomes apparent.

What can affect the cost of a matter

  • whether you plead guilty or the matter is defended;
  • how many times the matter is listed in court, and whether a hearing is adjourned;
  • how much evidence there is to review, such as statements, video or test results;
  • whether reports or a barrister are needed;
  • the court and the travel involved;
  • how quickly documents such as references and records can be gathered.

You can help keep costs down by answering questions promptly, sending the documents we ask for together, being open about your goals and asking about anything you are unsure of early.

Disbursements

Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses paid to other people for your matter. Examples include court filing fees, fees for records, reports from a psychologist or other professional, and a barrister's fees where a barrister is briefed. We tell you about likely disbursements in advance, and they are shown separately from our professional fees on your bill. Court-ordered fines and penalties are not legal costs; they are paid to the state or territory.

In NSW, costs disclosure is governed by the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), Part 4.3. In general terms:

  • When disclosure is given: a law practice must disclose the basis on which costs will be calculated and an estimate of the total legal costs when, or as soon as practicable after, it is instructed (s 174).
  • Consent: the law practice must take reasonable steps to be satisfied that the client understands and consents to the proposed course of action and costs (s 174(3)).
  • Lower-cost matters: where the total legal costs are not likely to exceed a lower threshold set by the Uniform Law, a shorter, standard form of disclosure can be used instead.
  • Changes: the client must be told promptly of any significant change to what was disclosed, including to the estimate.
  • Writing: disclosure must be in writing (s 174(6)), and a costs agreement must be written or evidenced in writing (s 180).
  • If disclosure is not given: a costs agreement may be void, and the client need not pay the costs until they have been assessed or a costs dispute determined (s 178).
  • Your rights: you can ask for an itemised bill, and you can raise a costs dispute with the Office of the NSW Legal Services Commissioner or apply for costs assessment, within the time limits that apply.

In Queensland, costs disclosure is governed by the Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld), Chapter 3, Part 3.4. In general terms:

  • What must be disclosed: the basis on which costs will be calculated, an estimate of total legal costs if reasonably practicable (or a range, and an explanation of the major variables), billing arrangements, your right to negotiate a costs agreement and to receive a bill, and your rights to have costs assessed and to have a dispute dealt with (s 308).
  • When: in writing, before or as soon as practicable after the law practice is retained.
  • Exceptions: disclosure is not required in some situations, for example where the total legal costs are not likely to exceed a lower threshold set in the Act (s 311). Even then, we explain how costs will be charged.
  • Changes: the client must be told in writing about any substantial change to anything disclosed, as soon as reasonably practicable (s 315).
  • If disclosure is not given: the client need not pay the legal costs until they have been assessed, and the costs agreement may be set aside (s 316).
  • Costs agreements: a costs agreement must be in writing or evidenced in writing; an offer must say it can be accepted in writing or by conduct (s 322).
  • Your rights: you can ask for an itemised bill, apply for costs assessment, and contact the Legal Services Commission Queensland about costs concerns.

ACT: costs disclosure under the Legal Profession Act 2006

In the ACT, costs disclosure is governed by the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT), Chapter 3, Part 3.2. As in Queensland, a law practice must disclose in writing the basis of costs, an estimate of total legal costs and the client's rights, with exceptions for lower-cost matters, and must tell the client about substantial changes.

Bills and questions

You are entitled to understand your legal costs at every stage. Ask us to explain any item on a bill, any change in scope or any estimate. If you have a concern, raise it with us first; if it is not resolved, the regulator in your state or territory can help:

  • NSW: Office of the NSW Legal Services Commissioner.
  • Queensland: Legal Services Commission Queensland.
  • ACT: the ACT Law Society handles complaints about ACT legal practitioners.

See also why choose us and our legal services.

Ready to talk?

Call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation using the form below. Tell us the state or territory, your court date and the charge, and we will explain how costs would be worked out for your matter.

What clients say

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Will I get the costs in writing before you start?

Yes. We explain the scope, the basis of costs, an estimate and likely disbursements, and confirm them in writing before work starts.

Are fines part of your costs?

No. Fines and court-ordered penalties are paid to the state or territory. Disbursements such as court filing fees are shown separately on our bill.

What if my matter changes?

We tell you, update the estimate in writing and get your instructions before doing the extra work.

Can I question a bill?

Yes. You can ask us to explain it or give an itemised bill, and you have rights under the law of your state or territory to have costs assessed or a dispute dealt with.

Sources and date checked

Sources and references for this page, checked 22 Oct 2026.

This page is general information about Queensland and New South Wales law only. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts.

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  • Charge or reading (if known): Tell us the charge or reading if you have it — you do not need your full police facts yet.
  • Work & driving needs: Let us know if you rely on your licence for work or family responsibilities.
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